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Chelsea quality crushes ambitious Betis
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-20 09:03
LONDON, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Chelsea offered Real Betis a masterclass in
defensive organisation and attacking flair in the Champions League on Wednesday,
crushing them 4-0 with goals from Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho, Joe Cole and
Hernan Crespo.
The victory put last year's semi-finalists top of Group G
on goal difference from Liverpool, who beat Anderlecht 1-0 away. The leaders
have seven points from three games followed by Betis on three and Anderlecht who
have yet to earn a point.
Visiting coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer said Betis, competing in the Champions
League for the first time, had come to Stamford Bridge to earn points and they
brimmed with attacking ambition for the first 20 minutes.
Jose Mourinho's English champions weathered the early pressure before
demonstrating their superiority, however.
"The key was that the players understood that the goals would arrive
naturally," said the Chelsea manager. "They would not have to chase goals...just
control the game."
After Shaun Wright-Phillips put a second-minute effort wide for the home
side, Betis surged forward earning three corners in quick succession and a shot
by centre back Juanito had to be cleared off the line by Chelsea midfielder
Claude Makelele.
MISSED SITTER
Drogba, who had missed a sitter six minutes earlier, made amends on the
counter-attack in the 24th minute after a mistake from Betis midfielder Fernando
Varela gifted the ball to Michael Essien on the halfway line.
The Ghana midfielder put Drogba through and he coolly sidefooted home under
Betis goalkeeper Antonio Doblas.
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